IRIA News

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Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a leading entity under the UAE’s EDGE Group, launched the first of four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) under the Falaj 3 class program during a ceremony held at the ADSB shipyard.

The launch of Falaj 3 OPV is a significant step in addressing the needs of the UAE Ministry of Defense and is part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s naval defense.

The event, held under the patronage of Rear Admiral Pilot Staff Major General Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, brought together dignitaries, military officials, and senior leaders from EDGE and ADSB, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.

The launch of the Falaj 3 class vessel is seen as a pivotal step towards strengthening the UAE’s national defense strategy with a fleet of advanced vessels designed to meet emerging security challenges.

“The launch of the first Falaj 3 vessel reinforces ADSB’s expertise in shipbuilding and represents a major step forward in delivering cutting-edge, highly sophisticated vessels equipped with the latest mission systems and advanced armament,” said ADSB CEO David Massey in the statement issued on January 14, 2025.

“This addition to ADSB’s capabilities and extensive product portfolio underscores our commitment to supporting the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Defence. As we deepen this partnership, we remain focused on driving innovation and excellence to meet the evolving needs of the nation’s defense landscape,” Massey added.

ADSB was awarded an AED 3.5 billion ($950 million) contract by the UAE Ministry of Defense and the UAE Navy to build four Falaj 3-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) in May 2021.

Falaj 3 features

The 60-meter FALAJ 3 is a versatile combat management naval patrol vessel, engineered to excel in both littoral and blue water environments. Key specifications include:

• Length Overall (LOA): 60 meters
• Breadth (Moulded): 9.5 meters
• Depth: 4.45 meters
• Draft (Moulded): 2.6 meters

Designed for advanced naval operations and addressing modern asymmetric warfare challenges, the FALAJ 3 is equipped with a state-of-the-art combat management system, sensors, and weapons, enabling it to effectively operate in all three dimensions of warfare: air, surface, and sub-surface. This advanced platform strengthens the UAE’s maritime defense capabilities and operational readiness.

Established in November 2019, EDGE is rapidly becoming one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, dedicated to developing agile, disruptive solutions for defense and beyond. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous capabilities, robotics, cyber-physical systems, and advanced propulsion systems, EDGE is positioning the UAE as a global leader in innovation and future industries.

ADSB, as part of EDGE’s Platforms & Systems cluster, is recognized as a regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels. With a nearly 25-year history, ADSB has established itself as a key player in maintaining the UAE’s maritime fleet in optimal operational condition.

Initiative to boost UAE naval power

The United Arab Emirates Navy (UAEN), with around 3,000 personnel, is responsible for protecting the nation’s coastal and offshore assets. The UAE naval force has recently undergone modernization, evolving from a coastal defense force to one capable of blue-water operations.

The UAEN fleet includes corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, fast attack craft, minehunters, and amphibious warfare ships. Notable corvettes, such as the Bani Yas-class, Abu Dhabi-class, and Baynunah-class, feature advanced weapon systems, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and naval guns. Offshore patrol vessels like the Falaj 2-class and Arialah-class provide strong surveillance and defense capabilities.